But the Colombian found little success, winning only two times, and both of those victories came on twisty road courses. He's yet to win a NASCAR race on an oval track.

Montoya also qualified for NASCAR's Chase for the Cup title playoff only once -- in 2009 when he finished the season eighth in the standings. And this year he's 22nd in the standings.

So EGR, led by longtime motor-racing owner Chip Ganassi, elected not to renew his contract, according to people with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to discuss it publicly. The story was first reported by Associated Press.

The team declined to comment, but SiriusXM Nascar said on Twitter that Sabates also had confirmed that Montoya would not return.